Liputan6.com, Jakarta Famous actor Charlie Hunnam is ready to show his dark side as he portrays legendary serial killer Ed Gein in the new Netflix anthology series, "Monster: The Ed Gein Story."
This series is the third season of the smash-hit "Monster" franchise, following the stories of Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers.
Hunnam's performance as the "Butcher of Plainfield" is highly anticipated given his portrayal's dark reputation.
"Monster: The Ed Gein Story" will shows viewers in the life and horrific crimes of Ed Gein in rural Wisconsin in the 1950s.
The production aims to demonstrate that "monsters aren't born, they're made," focusing on Gein's isolation, psychosis, and obsession with his mother.
The series, scheduled to premiere globally on Netflix on October 3rd.
Ed Gein: 'Monster' from Plainfield
Edward Theodore Gein, known as the "Butcher of Plainfield" or "The Ghost of Plainfield," was a criminal whose crimes shook America in the 1950s.
He was a murderer, suspected serial killer, and body snatcher whose actions transcended the bounds of human reason.
The investigation began after the disappearance of Bernice Worden in 1957, leading to a gruesome discovery on his property.
Authorities discovered that Gein not only murdered two women, Mary Hogan and Bernice Worden, but also systematically exhumed graves.
He collected human body parts to create various household items and clothing.
Discoveries at his home included a chair covered in human skin, a face mask, a soup bowl made from a skull, and a belt made from human nipples, all of which demonstrate an extreme level of cruelty.
Ed Gein's horrific crimes earned him the nickname "the monster" and became the "blueprint for modern horror" due to its profound impact on popular culture.
His story inspired numerous influential horror/thriller films such as Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs.
Gein himself spent the rest of his life in a mental institution after being found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Charlie Hunnam Plays Ed Gein in 'Monster' Series
Netflix returns with another true-crime story with "Monster: The Ed Gein Story," starring Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein.
The series will explore Gein's life and crimes in rural Wisconsin in the 1950s.
The series' primary focus is how a seemingly ordinary individual could hide unimaginable cruelty.
The series' synopsis indicates that Gein's isolation, psychosis, and obsession with his mother will be the primary drivers of his crimes.
This aligns with the narrative of "monsters aren't born, they're made," a key theme of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's "Monster" franchise.
In addition to Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein, the series also stars Laurie Metcalf as Augusta Gein, Ed's mother, Tom Hollander as Alfred Hitchcock, and Olivia Williams as Alma Reville.
The Previous Monster Season in Netflix
The first season of this Netflix anthology series details the brutality of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, starring Evan Peters.
Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story chronicles the shocking murders of 17 young men and boys at the hands of the Milwaukee killer between 1978 and 1991.
The first season – starring Peters and Niecy Nash-Betts – achieved record ratings and critical acclaim, but drew harsh criticism as viewers slammed Netflix for adding the LGBTQ label to the series.
The second season, titled Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, focuses on the murders of José and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez by their sons, Lyle and Erik, in 1989.
The season explores the brothers' actions, the intense public and media scrutiny of the case, and uses a "Rashomon effect" narrative style to present events from multiple, unreliable perspectives, leaving the truth open to the viewer's interpretation.